CanWest funds Hot Docs

New program assists one-off documentaries

TORONTO — Canadian non-fiction filmmakers got a financial boost Tuesday with the launch of the C$4 million ($3.94 million) Canwest-Hot Docs Funds to assist in the development and completion of one-off docs.

Canwest, Canada’s largest media company, is providing the funds, which consist of a $2.9 million completion fund granting producers with a license from a Canadian broadcaster up to $98,706 and a $987,069 development fund providing no-interest loans to projects in early development.

Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market, will administer both funds over the next seven years.

Guidelines to apply for the funds will be available June 1 with application deadlines July 15 and Oct. 15.